And at times in the NAB Challenge he did just that, kicking a couple of goals in the second quarter, going for a trademark run in the third and slotting a long goal on the three-quarter time siren to show his class.

Although the tiger snake that interrupted a pre-game stroll on the beach earlier in the day caused him more stress than the expectations of others, he did concede he was pleased to get the first outing in new colours out of the way.

He said the team would take time to gel, but there were signs that when they did the ball movement would be exciting.

Whether he plays against Essendon in Shepparton remains a decision for the coaches, but one thing is for certain, Dangerfield feels at home.

"It's funny, halfway through last season everything seemed like it went quite slow. But since the end of my last game until now it really does feel like it's gone in the blink of an eye. You have to enjoy every moment, and I certainly enjoyed tonight," Dangerfield said.

So did the locals and, you'd imagine, his teammates.

He can play, but he knows that team success is built on many, not one.

"For us to succeed this year it's going to be on the back of a real even contribution from everyone who pulls on the Geelong guernsey," Dangerfield said.

"It's never built on one person. It's not built on Joel Selwood or Tom Hawkins. It's the entire playing list."